Everyone’s journey to parenthood is different. For some it’s easy, for others it’s difficult; for some it’s exciting, and for other’s it’s overwhelming (or a bit of both). Conception, pregnancy, labour and postnatal care can be difficult to navigate, so we’ve put together a guide to help you prepare for your baby’s birth up until their first birthday.
Congratulations, you’re pregnant! One of the first things to consider is your healthcare and birthing options, and whether you’d like to take the public or private route.
If you go via the public system, your first step is to visit your GP, who will guide you through your pregnancy, including referring you for scans and tests. The private system will allow you to choose your own obstetrician who will look after you throughout your pregnancy and during your labour. Your body will go through a lot of changes over the next nine months, and you’ll need to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate and support your growing little one. It’s highly recommended you look into taking up a form of pregnancy-safe exercise, eat a healthy diet and get any health problems checked out.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the home is baby ready. Preparing the nursery and buying all the necessary supplies to take care of your baby are all part of your to-do list. Lastly, don’t get too overwhelmed – it’s all very exciting, and you’ll get there. Here are some local businesses that can help you along your pregnancy journey.
Pioneer Medical
Pioneer Medical Centre is a family friendly medical centre in North Mackay, offering a wide range of medical services to families. Along with general health assessments and check-ups, they also offer women’s health services. If you are having trouble conceiving, seeing a doctor at Pioneer Medical Centre can help point you in the right direction, such as family planning options and fertility counselling. They can also help you on your journey once you do fall pregnant and look after you and your families health long term, giving you better care.
A 19 Palmer St, North Mackay
P 4942 2777
www.pioneermedicalcentre.com.au
Guardian Pharmacy Mackay – Gasworks
If you’re trying for a baby, Guardian Pharmacy Mackay – Gasworks can offer help and advice. They can help you figure out when you are most fertile, provide advice on lifestyle changes and recommend vitamins for you and your partner. Once you are pregnant, they can recommend vitamins, pain relief methods and advise if your medication is safe to take during pregnancy. Even once your baby is born, they can provide breastfeeding, childhood illness and general baby care advice.
A Shop 7/137 Shakespeare St, Mackay
P 07 4957 5522
www.guardianpharmacies.com.au
Health on Central Mackay
Health on Central is your family GP in Mackay, accompanying you through every stage of life. They work alongside allied health and specialist colleagues to ensure you are in the best hands. If you’re seeing those two lines on the pregnancy test; congratulations! Health on Central Mackay can confirm your pregnancy and guide you through your pregnancy journey with any appointments and testing along the way, until your baby is born and beyond.
A 26 Central Dr, Andergrove
P 4955 0555
www.healthoncentral.com.au
Lloyds Northside Clinic
Lloyds Northside Clinic offers a wide range of services including general family services, immunisations, advice and more. The doctors are more than happy to confirm your pregnancy and ensure both you and your fetus are healthy and happy until the big day arrives.
A 81 Philip St, Mount Pleasant
P 4942 9910
www.smartscanlloydsclinic.com.au
Harvey Norman
It’s never too early to start planning your baby’s nursery. You should have all the necessary furniture, complete with comfortable sheets and soft lighting. The team at Harvey Norman is more than happy to help you out with all your bedding and furniture needs to welcome the new member of your family.
A Cnr Heaths Rd & Bruce Hwy, Mackay
P 4951 8800
www.harveynorman.com.au
Porters
Babies are very inquisitive and will explore everything around them to their heart’s content… even if it isn’t safe. A bit of babyproofing work may be on the cards before bub arrives. Whether you’re installing new shelves, securing loose fixtures or painting the nursery, the team at Porters is more than happy to help with any of your DIY needs.
A Cnr Brisbane & Gordon St, Mackay
P 4967 3333
www.porterscando.com.au
1300Smiles
Just like the rest of your body, your mouth will undergo changes throughout pregnancy. These can include bleeding gums, damage to the enamel of your teeth, a dry mouth or sugar cravings which can contribute to tooth decay. Research has also shown that active gum disease before or during pregnancy may lead to premature or underweight births. A visit to your local 1300Smiles before, during and after pregnancy will help protect your overall oral health.
A 34 Sydney St, Mackay
P 4957 5354
www.1300smiles.com.au
Jazzie Bums
Cloth nappies are not only environmentally friendly and adorable, they can save you a lot of dollars down the line. Jazzie Bums Nappies are soft, one-size-fits-all quality pocket nappies that are both waterproof and breathable. They come in a wide range of designs to suit your bub’s personality, including flowers, fruits, animals, rainbows, dinosaurs, solid colours and much more – and the range is constantly being added to.
A Sarina
P 0418 998 176
Jazzie Bums Cloth Nappies
Caneland Central
Caneland Central offers free monthly activities specially designed for little ones.
A Mangrove Rd, Mackay
P 4944 7111
www.canelandcentral.com.au
Kidz Life Play Centre
With slides, tunnels, ball pits and a fully-fenced toddler area, Kidz Life Play Centre is a wonderland for little ones.
A 75 Evans Ave, North Mackay
P 4953 5575
www.kidzlife.com.au
Souths Leagues Club
Offering a kids’ zone with play equipment, games and activities, a kids’ menu and birthday parties, making it the perfect location for a meal and a play.
A 181 Milton St, Mackay
P 4957 2166
www.southsmackay.com.au
Rugbytots
Rugbytots is the world’s favourite rugby play programme for children aged two to seven, taking children on a journey of sporting imagination through structured play sessions.
A Various locations around Mackay
www.rugbytots.com.au
Mackay Libraries
Library branches in Mackay offer a variety of activities for little ones, including Baby Bounce, Dads ‘N’ Bubs, Multiples Chatterplay, Toddler Time and Story Time.
A Various locations around Mackay
P 4961 9387
www.mackay.qld.gov.au
